Here are some steps you can take at work that can make a big impact, and if you needed more motivation, by choosing these small green initiatives, you can also save some green! (By green, I mean money).
Take Your Lunch To Work
Now I may be a hardcore Tupperware fanatic, but there are some pretty sobering statistics about plastic waste, and the harm it does to our environment. Those pretty lunch containers do more than just brighten up your lunch; they cut down on single-use plastics. Your waistline and wallet will also be appreciative of this simple step to lower your carbon footprint!
When you’re packing your lunch, don’t forget your reusable water bottle! Disposable water bottles are the leading cause of plastic pollution. In one month of using a reusable water bottle, you could save yourself potentially $20 by not buying a water bottle daily, and drastically cut down adding to the landfills.
Cut Down on your Commute
If you live in a heavily populated area, you can see the impact cars on the road have on the environment. To cut down on your contribution to the smog, look for ways to reduce your commute with public transportation, carpooling, or biking if possible.
The EPA website offers additional steps we can take for a cleaner commute.
You can also completely cut out your commute by working from home. If this is an option at your workplace, take advantage of it! It will drastically reduce your carbon footprint, commuting costs, and cut down on energy usage in your workplace. This option benefits not only the environment, but also your workplace. Read back here for tips on pitching remote work to your boss.
Cut Down on Energy Usage
Opt for products with an Energy Star Label. This is an initiative backed by the EPA to offer energy-efficient solutions, and have drastically reduced greenhouse gas pollution and cut down on kilowatt usage.
Use fewer lights, or even no lights if you have natural lighting available in your office. If you still need to use lights, opt for LED bulbs. They used 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
In the summer, keep the thermostat closer to the outdoor temperature to reduce air conditioning usage. Add window dressings to your windows to keep in the heat during the winter to cut down on heating costs.
Use Greener Materials
Cleaning solutions, especially industrial strength, contain chemicals that are awful or the environment. If those cleaners shouldn’t be breathed in, or can cause skin irritations, imagine the impact these chemicals have on the earth. Switch to greener solutions to cut down on these irritants.
Cut down on paper waste by going digital. Today’s technology has so many benefits for collaboration, and with cloud backups, the need for paper storage is cut down, if not completely eradicated. With these steps, we can soon see less deforestation and see new growth.
What are some ways you’re being more eco-friendly at work?
Written by: Zaneta Padilla, Marketing Content Coordinator